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PAUL DALEY At Last! SEMTEX Comes to Australia
Paul Daley staring down Josh Koscheck
© Marc
Wickert
All photos copyright 2004
Zuffa LLC
Special thanks to Wad Alameddine
It’s taken quite a while, but Aussie “Semtex” fans are finally going to see Paul Daley fight on Australian soil when the talented Brit battles Daniel Acacio at Sydney Entertainment Centre on Sunday, July 18. Hot off a controversial match with Josh Koscheck at UFC 113, Paul is eager to put on a show for his many supporters Down Under, and he says it will be one they won’t forget in a long time. Australians have always loved a good “barney”, and it’s this aspect of Paul’s fight game that most appeals to them: He’s always prepared to stand and deliver. When the bell rings, Daley comes out ready to broadside and fire off all he’s got – thus the moniker “Semtex”. But getting back to UFC 113, does Paul think it was unfair that a point was deducted from him when Josh Koscheck claimed he was injured by an illegal kick; however a point was not deducted from Koscheck for stalling the fight when his allegation was shown to be false? “Yes I do find it a bit strange that he was not punished for faking an injury for the second time sunning in the UFC,” says Daley. “In football that’s a RED card and the player is sent off! However they did not deduct a point from me in the end; they gave me the point back after seeing the replay on the big screen.” Paul, do you think the referee should have restarted the fight when the ground game came to a stalemate on a number of occasions? “Yes, very much so. I think the UFC have a part to play in which ref they pick for each fight, to be honest. This is a spectator sport and I doubt the fans want to see one guy lying on top of another for 15 minutes. Where’s the excitement and fun in that!” Is there anything else you’d like to say about that fight, or do you just want to move on? “Not much more to say. Just thanks for my coaches, although a lot of spectators may not be aware I made some great improvements in that fight, and will continue to do so.” You said in a previous interview with Knucklepit that you would love to compete in Australia. What are your thoughts on coming here for Impact FC’s Uprising 2? “I can’t believe it. I am so excited to be fighting for my Australian fans. I am training real hard to win and to entertain them. I honestly can’t wait and hope they turn out at the stadium to support me as I’m looking forward to meeting them all and putting on an explosive performance.”
Paul Daley attacking with a leaping knee You have a very big following in Australia. Does that help motivate you? “Fuck yeah! I wanna deliver one of my best KO's ever!!! I am going to fight very hard and make sure they remember the day they watched Semtex fight live in Sydney.” Do you intend arriving early in Oz for your match? “I will be in Sydney from July 13th, but in Thailand from July 7th, ensuring my Muay Thai is in top form to give them all a great KO.” Have you been able to train in Holland for your upcoming bout with Daniel Acacio? “I leave for Holland on the June 27. I am excited to go back to see the new gym as the old Mikes Gym was burned down last year. I can’t wait. I push myself so much harder there as the level of training is so high.” How has your preparation for this fight been going? “Very well; I am enjoying training and trying new things. I am happy.” What do you expect from Daniel? “A tough fight: He is durable, not very easy to finish, so this could be a WAR.” Do you think he will be prepared to stand with you? “He will have no choice. He is no Josh Koscheck or Jake Shields, so he won’t be able to take me down, that I’m certain of.” You showed against Josh Koscheck that you are very hard to submit, and Daniel only has two true submissions to his credit (RNC and keylock). Do you find this encouraging? “Like I said earlier, I am improving in my weak areas. It takes time, but I am getting there.” Your MMA record stands at 23-9-2 and Daniel’s is 21-9-0. What aspect of your game do you believe separates you from Daniel? “My power, strength, experience against tougher opponents, and my more technical level of striking is beyond his.” Most of Daniel’s victories have been by decision. Is there any way your match with him will go to the judges? “No, I finish fights. That’s what I do. I will finish him by KO.” What can the fans expect to see from Paul Daley at “Impact Uprising 2”? “The fans can expect all they have grown to love about me: an entertaining action-packed fight with a big KO finish.” Paul Daley’s sponsors: “Affliction www.affliction.com, Maximuscle www.maximuscle.com/semtex, Heavy Hands www.heavyhands.com, Lemarr Boxing (www.lemarr.com) Cherry Active (www.cherryactive.co.uk), and also thanks to my great team as well. Please keep up-to-date with me at www.semtex.tv/blog. Paul, is there anything you’d like to add? “Nope, just enjoy the show everyone. I’ll see you all soon in Sydney!”
Paul Daley throwing a powerful left
Impact FC website: www.impactfc.net - tickets on sale NOW. For travel and accommodation packages contact Impact Travel info@impactravel.com For more on Paul Daley: www.semtex.tv Knucklepit’s review of Paul Daley vs. Josh Koscheck: http://www.knucklepit.com/ufc113-review.htm
PAUL DALEY Part 3 Semtex Never Sleeps
© Marc
Wickert
All photos copyright 2004
Zuffa LLC Special thanks to Wad Alameddine
“I just want to be known as one of the baddest ‘mothers’ (abridged version) in UFC,” said Paul Daley, prior to his exchange with Dustin Hazelett at UFC 108. And after just two appearances in the Octagon, Daley is well on the way to earning that reputation, having chalked up vicious wins in both matches, with neither bout seeing out the first round. Hazelett is one of the best BJJ practitioners in the welterweight division, and he said of Daley, “His weakness is clearly his grappling ability… I’m going to beat this guy and there’s nothing he can do to me.” Paul was happy to verbally spar with Dustin and answered, “With one shot I can take your head off… I’m not talking smack, I’m trying to knock you out. You stop me doing that. That’s your job.” The UFC cameras kept switching back and forth from one fighter to the other as their sledging continued. “Nobody’s questioning his punching power… I’m not afraid to get hit by him,” said Hazelett, which prompted Daley’s reply, “I really couldn’t give two ‘Fs’ (abridged version) what he does, I’m just going to see how he reacts when I hit him,” said Daley. The stone-cold look in the Brit’s eyes revealed he really meant every word. “He can throw a thousand arm bars at me – I’m going to escape them, and when I escape them I’m going to punch him in the head. He can’t escape being punched in the head for too long,” said Daley.
Paul Daley counters with a powerful jab Well, Paul may not be psychic: He might just be supremely confident, but he deserves to be, and it’s not by luck that he possesses two of the most savage hands in MMA. Daley has incredibly tough work ethics and is determined to pulverize his way to the top regardless of the self-sacrifice it costs him. While many other fighters would take time off to party after such a convincing victory at UFC 108, Daley briefly celebrated the night of his win before resuming work on his master plan. “I was still training in my downtime, doing one session a day, as fighters in the team had fights coming up. Now I am in Thailand training at Sitsoongpeenong gym. This is the official start of my camp for UFC 113. But back home in Nottingham it’s always with Team Rough House.” Paul, how did you celebrate your victory? “Went and partied it up at XS in the Wynn, Vegas, with my team and sponsors; Tom Atencio from Affliction – that guy can party and looks after me well!” Who was in your corner at UFC 108? “My normal corner: Joey van Wanrooij, Dean Amasinger, Rupert Smillie, and the newest addition, my wrestling coach, Kenny Johnson from BJ Penn’s camp.” You seemed so resolved and deliberate when you entered the Octagon. Was there any doubt in your mind that you had the fight won before you entered the cage? “My intention is to go in there and be brutal. Knockout whoever my opponent may be. I’m confident in doing this every time I enter the Octagon.”
Paul Daley downs Hazelett Your patience and self-control are a big part of your game. Where do you believe your self-discipline comes from? “The martial arts, my faith…” Do you think you frustrated Dustin into taking risks and making mistakes by keeping your game so disciplined? “Hmmm, maybe. I dunno. I just do what I do. I tend not to think too much about it and just work my game plan.” When he threw his right hand, you hooked his right arm with your right arm, then blasted with your left hook. Was that an opening you were waiting for? “Yes, I knew the combination I was to throw through the whole fight; it was something we worked on in training camp.” Prior to the match, Dustin said of you, “His weakness is clearly his grappling ability.” What are your thoughts on that statement? “I don’t really have one. It's a true statement, my strongest aspect is my striking.” What did you think when Dustin somersaulted at you in an attempt to take the fight to the floor? “Yes, to close the distance... I thought, ‘This guy is nervous’.”
Paul Daley g’n’ps Dustin is one of the best BJJ exponents in the welterweight division. How do you feel about the way you were able to stop him so early in the fight? “Nothing; I was gonna KO him all along, as I will do with all my UFC opponents.” Is your grappling game mainly based on escapes rather than submissions? “I try to learn the whole game. It's taking time, but I am committed to improving.” Were you targeting Dustin’s lead leg with kicks in order to slow down his ability to shoot for the takedown? “No, just to confuse him.” What did Dana White say to you after your win? “Can’t remember. He just congratulated me. Don’t know exactly what he said.” Have you heard who your next opponent will be or when you’ll be fighting again? “Josh Kosheck, May 8th, Montreal, Canada.” Paul, is there anything you’d like to add? “Yeah, thanks to my sponsors:
Paul Daley roars
PAUL
DALEY Semtex for Sydney?
©
Marc Wickert Special
thanks to Wad Alameddine
Paul
“Semtex” Daley made his Octagon debut on September 19, 2009, at UFC
103. During his match against Martin Kampmann, Daley previewed a
small snippet of his total MMA game to fans as they witnessed one of the
most exciting bouts on the card.
And
while Semtex is known for his explosive fighting style and swashbuckling
KOs, there is much more depth to this UK star’s trick bag, despite Joe
Rogan stating during the Daley vs. Kampmann match that Martin “was
more well-rounded than Daley”. Daley is a man of few words and
lets his fights do the talking. His response to Joe’s
comment was straight to the point: “Kampmann has good submissions, but
who won the fight? So who is the more complete fighter?”
Paul
made short work of his first UFC outing, putting Martin away by TKO in
just 2:31 of the opening round, without demonstrating any of his
respectable wrestling skills or his ever-improving BJJ techniques.
When asked if he thought his ground game was underrated, Daley replied,
“Yes… But this will work to my advantage.”
At
UFC 108, Paul will be facing off against Dustin Hazelett, whose
victories have mainly been through BJJ submissions. Will Daley
feel confident on the ground if the bout goes there? “Confident
to land some heavy shots, KO him, or get back up – yes,” says the
Brit.
The
reason most of Semtex’s fights have taken place in stand-up mode is
because Paul believes it makes the bouts more exciting for fans and
admits that he does like the finality of sealing a match with a KO,
something that Australian MMA fans have come to appreciate about Daley.
It’s through Paul’s stand’n’bang bouts that he has developed
such a strong fan base Down Under.
But
can fans hope to see Daley on the UFC 110: Nogueira vs. Velasquez
card in Sydney on February 21? “I would love to fight on that
card, bro. Get a bunch of Australian fans to sign a petition and
get me down there! (laughs) But first I gotta KO Hazelett,” says
Daley.
Paul,
what was it like walking into the Octagon for the first time?
“It
was a surreal feeling.”
I
believe you were a replacement for Mike Swick on that card. Did
you take the fight on short notice?
“I
was already due to fight on the card, but I stepped in for Swick as part
of the main card when he got injured.”
After
your win, you said, “I’m the new kid and hopefully a few of those
fans will come to like me.” Despite your extensive background in
UK and European MMA, were you an unknown to a lot of US fans? “No, I have a lot of US fans from strikeforce, Elite XC and Cage Rage, but the UFC fans are different, you know… a different market.”
Can
you give a brief rundown of your bout with Martin Kampmann, please?
“I
KO’d him…simple! I threw punches for the KO and they
landed.”
Outside
the ring, are you naturally right-handed?
“Yes.”
Do
you see similarities between your punching style and Mike Tyson’s -
particularly your menacing left hooks?
“Yes,
I love Tyson, always looking for the KO.”
Your
general preparation for upcoming fights consists of two training camps:
The
UK Connection, where you train at Team Rough House with Rupert Smillie
(head coach and Muay Thai), Sunnay Dholakia (strength and conditioning),
Ollie Richardson (strength and conditioning), and Lee Livingston (BJJ).
The
Dutch Connection, where you train with Mike Passenier (Dutch head
coach), Tom Kong Watson, Sheldon Westcott (BJJ), Kenny Johnson
(wrestling), and Melvin Manhoef ( Muay Thai).
Is
this correct, please, Paul?
“Yes,
this is correct. I also have Yasubey Enomoto helping out for the
last week of camp. Please visit www.semtex.tv
for more information.”
What
aspect of your training does Tom Kong Watson cover?
“Everything
I do, Tom does, so he’s like my buddy in camp to motivate, give input,
sparring… everything. He has a lot of training-camp experience
with his own fights and also helping GSP, Rashad Evans and the guys at
Jackson’s MMA.”
Would
a victory over Dustin put you in good standing for a title shot?
“I
would like a few more wins and at least six months before a title shot,
but who knows how the UFC works? Depends what their plans are for
me.”
How
do you see your bout with Dustin going?
“I
am going to KO him – HARD! This could be KO of the night.
Paul,
is there anything you’d like to add?
“Just
like to thank the fans of MMA who have helped support me while making my
rounds away from the UFC, and the new fans that are supporting me
now.” Paul
Daley’s sponsors: ECKO
UNLTD. (www.shopecko.com)
For
a review of Paul Daley vs. Martin Kampmann: http://www.knucklepit.com/ufc103-review.htm.
PAUL DALEY
"I Hope He Stands and
Trades With Me."
©Marc Wickert,
www.knucklepit.com 20/6/2006
Photos ©Cage Rage
Fighting out of Nottingham, England, Paul "Semtex" Daley was carded to fight Paul Jenkins for the welterweight title at Cage Rage 17: Ultimate Challenge. But due to Jenkins sustaining a hand injury, Daley is now carded to go to war with Ross "The Boss" Mason for the belt. A veteran of 16 ultimate fights, Daley had his last outing in the Wembley Convention Centre, at Cage Rage 16: Critical Condition, where he defeated the respected Dave Strasser by decision on April 22, 2006. However, due to the huge growth of the sport - both internationally and in the UK - Paul’s bout against Mason on July 1, 2006, will be held at the new Wembley Arena. Now twenty-three years of age, Paul declares there are no secrets as to why he originally became involved in MMA: "for the challenge, opportunities, and the chance to get paid for something which I enjoy doing," says Daley. Early in Paul’s career, he was known predominantly as a striker, earning the nickname "Semtex" due to his explosive power. With KOs and TKOs comprising seven of his ultimate-fighter wins, Daley has also fared well in hybrid kickboxing events, including a stunning KO victory over British Muay-Thai fighter, Hayden Scott. Regarded by many as a bigger hitter than reigning champion Jenkins, Daley is now better known as a well-rounded fighter: "I continue to evolve, I have good wrestling, and my Jiu Jitsu is improving." To further hone his ultimate fighting skills, Daley continues to travel abroad, and has trained with the likes of Eddie Bravo, and worked out at the American Top Team gym. In the UK, Paul is a member of the Rough House Team and trains at the Bushido MMA Academy in Nottingham. "Rupurt Smillie is my Muay Thai coach. Muay Thai is my base. I also have Sunnay Dholaki as my physical conditioning coach, and Lee Livingston (also a fighter) as my BJJ Coach," says Daley.
Paul, now that Paul
Jenkins is off the menu, will that change your preparation for Ross
Mason in the remaining days? "Ross has a very similar
style to my own - a Muay Thai and BJJ mix. So his strength remains in
his striking."
"I hope he stands and trades with
me: It will be great for the fans, plus I enjoy this too.
"My heart and mindset. We are much
alike when it comes to the physical game, except he's a
southpaw."
"I Just want the fans to continue to support me
and the sport." "www.totalaggressionfightwear.com, www.blackstar-ent.com, and all the support from family and friends."
Paul "Semtex" Daley’s stats MMA record: 10-4-2 Division: Welterweight Stance: Orthodox Height: 5’9" Dob: 21 Feb, 1983 Birthplace: London
For more on Cage Rage 17: www.cagerage.tv.
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